The death of director, writer, producer, Ivan Reitman is sending shockwaves through Hollywood. But it should also send shockwaves through the world of magic. If not for Ivan Reitman's involvement, there would have been no MAGIC Show on Broadway starring Doug Henning. What kind of course would the world of magic taken had it not been for Henning's rising star giving new birth to the popularity of magic?
The two would meet at McMaster University. Their first venture together was when Reitman asked Doug to play a part in his upcoming production of Lil Abner. In Doug Henning's own words, "I was terrible, but I had a ball."
Their next collaboration would be a magical musical called SPELLBOUND. Ivan would be producer and the director, Doug would handle the magic. It played at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. This show eventually led to being picked up for a Broadway run. It was retooled and altered and it eventually became The Magic Show on Broadway. This was the magical musical that put Doug Henning on the map.
After The Magic Show, the two would have one more collaboration and that was the Broadway musical MERLIN. At first Reitman was reluctant to get involved, but was later persuaded when Hollywood friends expressed their interest.
Ivan Reitman would best be known as the producer of such comedy hits as Ghostbusters, Stripes, Meatballs, Kindergarten Cop, Twins, and Evolution to name a few.
Doug would go on to have a great career, starring in his own touring show and numerous Network TV Specials.
Ivan Reitman passed away in his sleep, Feb 12th, 2022, he was 75 years old.
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